‘We’re not kamikazes’ – Madrid to evaluate Mbappe’s fitness before Supercopa Clasico
Real Madrid aims to avoid any “kamikaze” measures concerning Kylian Mbappe’s physical condition prior to Sunday’s Supercopa de Espana final against Barcelona, although the French forward still has an opportunity to partake.
Mbappe has not participated in Madrid’s last two matches – a 5-1 triumph against Real Betis in LaLiga and a 2-1 semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid in the Supercopa – due to a sprained knee injury.
However, the striker has arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of Sunday’s significant match, with Los Blancos expected to make a determination about his participation following his training session on Saturday.
“He’s feeling much better. He was a little tight to play against Atletico, so we opted not to rush him,” head coach Xabi Alonso informed reporters.
“But we kept in mind that he could make it for the final if he felt alright. He arrived yesterday and will practice with the team today.
“We’ll evaluate him and decide whether he can start or if he’ll play for fewer minutes. It’s a choice we’ll make in coordination with the player, the coaching staff, and the medical team.
“We need to assess the risk. We have to consider the timing, the stakes involved, and then take accountability for the choice we make.
“We’re not kamikazes when it comes to these decisions. It’s a measured risk.”
Alonso’s inaugural season in the Madrid coaching position has not progressed as envisioned, with president Florentino Perez rumored to have considered dismissing him in less than six months of his tenure.
Los Blancos trail Barcelona by four points at the top of LaLiga, so claiming a first piece of significant silverware as their head coach could carry extra weight for Alonso.
Nonetheless, he maintains that winning the trophy would be seen as a tremendous achievement rather than merely a relief.
He stated: “Securing the title would be a joyful moment shared with everyone, with all Madridistas. I don’t view it as a relief.”
In Wednesday’s semi-final win over Atletico, forward Vinicius Junior had an exchange with opposing coach Diego Simeone, who seemingly provoked the Brazilian by stating: “Florentino is going to get rid of you.”
Vinicius has had a challenging season thus far, managing only five goals and seven assists across all competitions since the conclusion of the Club World Cup.
He has consistently achieved at least 33 goal contributions in each of his previous four complete seasons, with a top mark of 42 (23 goals, 19 assists) in 2022-23, but Alonso trusts that with the right support, Vinicius will return to form.
“Every player has their unique journey, and each situation calls for that emotional insight to know how to connect with them,” Alonso commented on Vinicius.
“Vini is highly emotional, and it’s important to understand how to communicate with him effectively and support him closely. His teammates do an excellent job of this, and so does the coaching staff.
“It’s all about the right moment — he will regain his best form, start to enjoy the game once more, and become decisive. We absolutely need him tomorrow, without a doubt, and it could be a significant moment for him.
“I remember finals where he played a crucial role, and tomorrow is a major game — a final against Barcelona, a Clasico. We hope to see him smiling and playing with that joy.”
Published: 2026-01-10 19:01:00
source: www.soccernews.com
